Saturday, June 7 – New York
The severe thunderstorm warning issued earlier for Albany and Schoharie counties is officially set to expire at 11 p.m. this evening. According to the National Weather Service, the storm has weakened below severe limits and no longer poses an immediate threat to life or property.
Preparing for summer lightning in New York
Lightning remains a dangerous hazard, especially during the summer months. Each year, the United States experiences about 25 million lightning strikes, with an average of 20 fatalities. Thunderstorms are most dangerous when directly overhead and gradually become safer as they move away.
Lightning safety plan before heading outside
If you’re outdoors, always have a lightning safety plan. Watch the sky for ominous clouds, and if you hear thunder, that means lightning is nearby. Seek indoor shelter immediately—a building is always the safest option.
Stay safe indoors during thunderstorms
Once inside, avoid corded phones, plugged-in electronics, plumbing, and stay clear of windows and doors. Lightning can travel through wiring and pipes, posing risks even indoors.
Wait it out: When it’s safe to go back outside
After the final clap of thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors again. Lightning can strike miles away from a storm’s core, even when the sky appears to be clearing.
Caught outside without shelter? Minimize risk
If shelter isn’t available, avoid open spaces like fields, ridges, or hilltops. Stay away from isolated tall trees. In wooded areas, stick to lower tree clusters. Group members should spread out to reduce the risk of a single lightning strike affecting multiple people.
Camping? Seek a valley or ravine—tents offer zero lightning protection. Steer clear of water, wet surfaces, and metal objects—while they don’t attract lightning, they conduct electricity dangerously well.
Driving safely in New York’s heavy rain
Even as the storm weakens, heavy rainfall remains a concern across parts of eastern New York. Rainy roads can be deceptively hazardous. Here’s what to watch for:
Avoid fast-flowing water
Stay away from drainage ditches and culverts, which can become dangerously swift during downpours.
Extend your following distance
On slick roads, the usual two-second rule isn’t enough. Double it to four seconds to give yourself ample room to react.
Ease up and slow down
Lower your speed to reduce the chance of hydroplaning. Avoid sudden braking or sharp turns, especially in the first 30 minutes of rainfall, when oil and grime make roads particularly slick.
Stick to center lanes
Rainwater often accumulates in outer lanes, making the middle lanes safer during steady rain.
Boost your visibility
Keep headlights on, even during daylight hours. Rain can blur your view and conceal other vehicles, especially in your blind spots.
Stay clear of large vehicles
Trucks and buses throw up significant spray that can obscure your windshield. Pass cautiously and avoid lingering nearby.
Check your wipers and know when to pull over
Overworked or worn-out windshield wipers can limit visibility even further. If rain becomes too intense, pull off the road, preferably beyond a guardrail. Keep your emergency flashers on and headlights illuminated until it’s safe to continue.
Residents of Albany, Schoharie, and nearby counties are urged to remain alert throughout the night. Even though the thunderstorm warning is set to expire, wet roads and residual lightning can still pose dangers across eastern New York into the overnight hours.
